Patient safety is 'critical' in any no-deal Brexit scenario, RCP president states

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RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard has stated that patient safety is critical in any no-deal Brexit scenario, and urged transparency about national stockpiles.

Responding to letters sent out today from secretary of state for health and social care Matt Hancock on the government’s preparations for a March 2019 no-deal Brexit scenario, Professor Goddard said:

Patient safety is critical - we welcome the government’s increased openness about the challenges a no-deal Brexit will cause and today’s urgent and immediate action from the DHSC to help prevent medicine shortages. The DHSC must work with NHS trusts and clinicians to create confidence in the new measures so that they in turn can reassure patients.

During this period, we recognise the DHSC advice for hospitals, pharmacies and patients not to stockpile medicines, but urge transparency about national stockpiles, particularly for things that are already in short supply or need refrigeration eg insulin. Faith in the system will be created by openness and regular updates to trusts and clinicians; this will allow clinicians to reassure patients.